Stroke Disparities: From Observations to Actions

Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated stroke disparities across race and ethnic groups. The goal of the NOMAS (Northern Manhattan Study) was to evaluate race and ethnic differences in stroke within a community with 3 different race-ethnic groups. Starting as a population-based incidence and case-control study, the study evolved into a cohort study. Results from NOMAS have demonstrated differences in stroke incidence, subtypes, risk factors, and outcomes. Disparities in ideal cardiovascular health can help explain many differences in stroke incidence and call for tailored risk factor modification through innovative portals to shift more diverse subjects to ideal cardiovascular health. The results of NOMAS and multiple other studies have provided foundational data to support interventions. Conceptual models to address health disparities have called for moving from detecting disparities in disease incidence, to determining the underlying causes of disparities and developing interventions, and then to testing interventions in human populations. Further actions to address race and ethnic stroke disparities are needed including innovative risk factor interventions, stroke awareness campaigns, quality improvement programs, workforce diversification, and accelerating policy changes.